Utilization of restructuring technology in the production of meat products: a review

Abstract

Meat restructuring technology enables the production of value-added meat products from low quality cuts and trimmings. In addition, this technology can improve products' characteristics such as texture, fat content, bind strength, and shape; meanwhile, it can also satisfy the increasing demand for convenience. The factors affecting the quality of restructured meat products including appearance, comminution and formation, particle size, mixing time, meat type, and fat content are analyzed; roles of non-meat ingredients such as salt, phosphate, soy protein, transglutaminase (TG) are discussed, protein binding and cooking are also mentioned. Salt and phosphates are traditional additives, which facilitate extraction of myofibrillar proteins and enhanced binding of meat particles. Salt is also associated with meat discoloration and rancidity development. Recently, there is a tendency towards reducing salt intake for health reasons. Binders such as κ-carrageenan, alginate, TG are widely and successfully used in restructured meat production. Some new techniques such as meat fiber alignment and high pressure treatment are also discussed in this review.